Potential Downsizing Of CDC’s Global Epidemic Prevention Activities Could Threaten U.S. National Security
The Hill: The U.S. can’t afford to reduce global public health funding
Daniel M. Gerstein, senior policy researcher at the RAND Corporation and adjunct professor at American University
“…[The proposal to downsize the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) global epidemic prevention activities in 39 of 49 countries] is potentially dangerous and could place the U.S. at significant risk. … [T]he programs provide sentinels for a broader global disease monitoring system of which the U.S. is a significant beneficiary. Over the past decade, many have come to recognize public health as a national security issue worthy of funding levels that promote and support global health preparedness and response systems. Some disease events — either naturally occurring outbreaks such as influenza or intentional use of pathogens in biological warfare or bioterrorism — have serious national security implications. Having international and partner systems that promote information sharing in real-time, pre-incident preparedness, and response capabilities are important components of public health efforts in the U.S. … Without renewed funding, the long-term outlook could include weakened global disease surveillance and response systems, less capable partner nations and an increased likelihood of global disease outbreaks that would undoubtedly threaten the U.S.” (2/7).
The KFF Daily Global Health Policy Report summarized news and information on global health policy from hundreds of sources, from May 2009 through December 2020. All summaries are archived and available via search.